This bottle was return fire from a friend to whom I had previously sent on of my favorites. He knows my love of rye’s. The nose was fruity with a banana front followed by a pleasant vanilla. The first taste was very balanced spicy (think fall spices), fruity, and vanilla. With a few drops of water, it got even better with nutmeg, caramel, herbs(like a dill), and oak. I REALLY like this whiskey. It is probably my new favorite.